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Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas

Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas

The pancreas, a vital organ within the abdominal cavity, plays dual roles in the digestive and endocrine systems, collaborating with exocrine and endocrine cells to maintain optimal digestion and blood sugar levels.
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...

Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion

Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion

The pancreatic islets comprising only 1%-2% of the volume are highly vascularized and innervated mini-organs. They contain five endocrine cell types, including β cells that secrete insulin, which is synthesized as a single polypeptide chain, preproinsulin, processed to proinsulin, and finally to insulin and C-peptide. This process is complex and regulated, involving the Golgi complex, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the secretory granules of the β cell.
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...

Insulin Secretory Vesicles

Insulin Secretory Vesicles

Insulin secretory vesicles release insulin to stimulate blood glucose uptake and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. When the blood glucose levels increase, glucose enters the pancreatic β-islet cells through glucose transporters. Once inside, glucose is metabolized through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. This increase in ATP concentration closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane and the opening of...

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...

Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose

Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose

Insulin is released by beta cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are high. It facilitates glucose absorption and utilization in insulin-dependent cells with insulin receptors on their plasma membranes. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell. As a result, glucose utilization and ATP production are enhanced.
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...

Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.

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Updated: May 19, 2026

Single-cell RNA Sequencing and Analysis of Human Pancreatic Islets

Single-cell RNA Sequencing and Analysis of Human Pancreatic Islets

Published on: July 18, 2019

Emerging roles of non-coding RNAs in pancreatic β-cell function and dysfunction.

C Guay¹, C Jacovetti, V Nesca

¹Department of Cellular Biology and Morphology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism

|August 30, 2012

Summary

Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), are crucial for pancreatic beta-cell function and diabetes development. This review explores their roles and future research directions in diabetes.

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Last Updated: May 19, 2026

Single-cell RNA Sequencing and Analysis of Human Pancreatic Islets

Single-cell RNA Sequencing and Analysis of Human Pancreatic Islets

Published on: July 18, 2019

A High-content In Vitro Pancreatic Islet β-cell Replication Discovery Platform

A High-content In Vitro Pancreatic Islet β-cell Replication Discovery Platform

Published on: July 16, 2016

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Molecular Biology
Genetics

Background:

Pancreatic beta-cells regulate glucose homeostasis via insulin release.
Beta-cell dysfunction, driven by hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, or autoimmunity, leads to diabetes.
Mechanisms underlying beta-cell dysfunction and death are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent findings on non-coding RNAs in beta-cell function and diabetes.
To discuss cell-to-cell microRNA transfer in diabetes research.
To highlight the interplay between microRNAs, epigenetics, and long non-coding RNAs in beta-cells.

Main Methods:

Literature review of non-coding RNAs in beta-cell biology and diabetes.
Analysis of recent studies on microRNA function and transfer.
Exploration of long non-coding RNA roles and epigenetic interactions.

Main Results:

Non-coding RNAs, particularly miRNAs, are essential for beta-cell development and function.
Dysregulation of non-coding RNAs contributes to diabetes pathogenesis.
Cell-to-cell miRNA transfer represents a novel communication pathway with implications for diabetes.
Emerging evidence links non-coding RNAs, epigenetics, and long non-coding RNAs to beta-cell control.

Conclusions:

Non-coding RNAs are critical regulators of pancreatic beta-cell function and survival.
Understanding non-coding RNA roles offers new avenues for diabetes research and therapeutic strategies.
Future research should focus on non-coding RNA-mediated communication, epigenetic interactions, and long non-coding RNA functions in beta-cells.